Compositions comprising glycerin, monoalcohol and a diester

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to compositions for removing nail polish including at least about 20% by weight of a C2-C3 monoalcohol, at least about 10% by weight of glycerin, and a diester of a dicarboxylic acid. The compositions optionally include water. The water, if present, is present in a concentration by weight that is less than the concentration by weight of glycerin. If the concentration of glycerin is from 30% to 60% by weight, then the concentration of C2-C3 monoalcohol is at least about 30% by weight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/592,893, filed Nov. 30, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for removingnail polish.

BACKGROUND

Nail polish compositions are typically designed to provide long-lastingcolor to nails. Because of the materials used in nail polishcompositions to obtain the desired properties, it has proven difficultto remove such nail polish compositions from nails without adverselyaffecting the nails and/or staining cuticles of the nails.

In particular, the inventors have recognized the need to provideefficacious nail polish removal using compositions that have reducedlevels of water and/or don't need to require harsh solvents such asacetone for nail polish removal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions for removing nail polishincluding at least about 20% by weight of a C2-C3 monoalcohol, at leastabout 10% by weight of glycerin, and a diester of a dicarboxylic acid.The compositions optionally include water. The water, if present, ispresent in a concentration by weight that is less than the concentrationby weight of glycerin. If the concentration of glycerin is from 30% to60% by weight, then the concentration of C2-C3 monoalcohol is at leastabout 30% by weight.

The present invention also relates to methods for removing nail polishfrom nails and moisturizing the hands of a subject. The method includesapplying a composition to the hands and to nails of a subject onto whichthe nail polish had been previously applied and removing the nail polishfrom the nails. The composition includes at least about 20% by weight ofa C2-C3 monoalcohol, at least about 10% by weight of glycerin, and adiester of a dicarboxylic acid. The compositions optionally includewater. The water, if present, is present in a concentration by weightthat is less than the concentration by weight of glycerin. If theconcentration of glycerin is from 30% to 60% by weight, then theconcentration of C2-C3 monoalcohol is at least about 30% by weight.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a phase diagram using data developed by the inventors, showingrelative concentrations of glycerin, diethyl succinate and ethanol and aregion of miscibility thereof.

FIG. 2 is a phase diagram using data developed by the inventors, showingrelative concentrations of glycerin, a diester blend (ofdimethylsuccinate, dimethyl glutarate, and dimethyl adipate) and ethanoland a region of miscibility thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the expression “at least one” means one or more and thusincludes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations. Allpercentages listed are by weight unless otherwise noted. Furthermore,all concentrations (and concentration ranges) of glycerin, the diester,the C2-C3 monoalcohol, water, acetone, and thickeners in thisspecification may apply to the entire composition or (for example, whenthe composition includes multiple phases) just to a multicomponentsolution phase (described herein). For example, when the specificationstates that glycerin may be present in an amount of about 15% to about30%, unless specifically stated otherwise, not only does thiscontemplate that range of glycerin concentration in the entirecomposition, but it also contemplates that range of concentration ofglycerin just in the multicomponent solution phase of a multiphasecomposition.

Numerical ranges are inclusive of endpoints and meant to include allcombinations and sub-combinations. For example, “from about 5%, 10% or15% to about 20%, 50% or 60%” means about 5% to about 20%, about 5% toabout 50%, about 5% to about 60%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% toabout 50%, about 10% to about 60%, about 15% to about 20%, about 15% toabout 50%, or about 15% to about 60%.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditionsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about,” meaning within 10% to 15% of the indicated number, such aswithin about 5% of the indicated number.

“Substituted” as used herein, means comprising at least one substituent.Non-limiting examples of substituents for substitution include atoms,such as oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms, as well as functional groups,such as hydroxyl groups, ether groups, alkoxy groups, acyloxyalkygroups, oxyalkylene groups, polyoxyalkylene groups, carboxylic acidgroups, amine groups, acylamino groups, amide groups, halogen containinggroups, ester groups, thiol groups, sulphonate groups, thiosulphategroups, siloxane groups, and polysiloxane groups. The substituent(s) maybe further substituted.

“Nail” as used herein includes fingernails as well as toenails.

The compositions, coats and methods of the present invention cancomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elementsand limitations of the invention described herein, as well as anyadditional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations describedherein or otherwise useful.

For purposes of the compositions and methods of the present inventionwhere the invention “consists essentially of” the identified ingredientsand/or process steps, the two “basic and novel properties” of suchcompositions and/or methods are “removing nail polish from nails,”“phase stability.”

Compositions for Removing Nail Polish

As discussed, in accordance with the present invention, compositions forremoving nail polish including at least about 20% by weight of a C2-C3monoalcohol, at least about 10% by weight of glycerin, and a diester ofa dicarboxylic acid are provided. Water, if present, is present in aconcentration by weight that is less than the concentration by weight ofglycerin. In certain embodiments, if the concentration of glycerin isfrom 30% to 60% by weight, then the concentration of C2-C3 monoalcoholis at least about 30% by weight.

Glycerin

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish including at least about 10% by weight of glycerin (a.k.a.,glycerol, glycerine, propanetriol, 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane or1,2,3-Propanetriol) are provided. By glycerol, it is meant the polyolcompound C3H₈O₃, having the general structure below as well as, incertain embodiments, isomers thereof.

Glycerin may be present in the compositions of the present invention inan amount of at least about 10% by weight, such as at least about 15% byweight. The glycerin may be present in a concentration from about 10%,15% or 20% to about 30%, 50%, 60% or 65%. For example, the glycerin maybe present in concentration ranges from about 10% to about 65%, fromabout 15% to about 60%, from about 20% to about 60%, or from about 15%to about 30%, with all weights being based on the weight of thecomposition.

C2-C3 monoalcohol

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising a C2-C3 monoalcohol are provided.

“C2-C3 monoalcohol” means an alcohol having 2 or 3 carbon atoms such asethanol, propanol, and isopropanol. In certain embodiments the C2-C3monoalcohol is ethanol.

The C2-C3 monoalcohol is present in the compositions of the presentinvention in an amount greater than 20% by weight. In certainembodiments, such as when the concentration of glycerin is from about30% to about 60% (e.g., such as about 30% to about 65%, such as 30% toabout 70%), the C2-C3 monoalcohol is present in a concentration of atleast about 30%. In certain other embodiments the concentration of C2-C3monoalcohol is present in a concentration from about 20% to about 50%,such as from about 20% to about 35%, such as from about 20% to about30%.

Diester

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising at least one diester are provided. The diester is acompound including two ester linkages. In certain embodiments of theinvention the diester is a diester has less than 10 carbon atoms, suchas from about 4 to about 12 carbon atoms. In certain other embodiments,the diester is a diester of a C2-C4 alcohol and a C4-C8 dicarboxylicacid. In yet certain other embodiments the diester is selected from amalonate, succinate, and adipate, glutarate, pimelate, and combinationsthereof. In yet certain other embodiments, the diester is an diethyl ordimethyl ester of from a malonate, succinate, and adipate, glutarate,pimelate. According to certain embodiments. the diester is selected fromdimethyl succinate, diethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyladipate, and combinations thereof.

The at least one diester may be present in the compositions of thepresent invention in an amount greater than 10% by weight, such asgreater than 15% by weight, such as greater than 20% by weight, such asfrom about 30% or 40% to about 80% or 90%, such as from about 30% byweight to about 90% by weight, such as from about 40% to about 90% byweight, such as from about 40% to about 80% by weight.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the composition ispredominantly comprised of the C2-C3 monoalcohol, glycerin, and at leastone diester. In certain embodiments the C2-C3 monoalcohol, glycerin, andthe at least one diester collectively comprise at least about 60% of thecomposition, such as at least about 75% of the composition. In certainembodiments, compositions of the present invention include C2-C3monoalcohol, glycerin, and the at least one diester such that theconcentrations of these components by weight relative to one another areat least about 20% C2-C3 monoalcohol, and at least about 10% glycerin;and, if the concentration of glycerin (again relative to glycerin, C2-C3monoalcohol and at least one diester) is about 30% to 60%, then therelative concentration of C2-C3 monoalcohol is at least about 30%.Stated differently, the composition may include from about 60% to about100% of a mixture, where the mixture includes at least about 20% C2-C3monoalcohol, and at least about 10% glycerin (and, if the concentrationof glycerin in the mixture is 30% to 60% then the mixture includes atleast about 30% C2-C3 monoalcohol). In this embodiment, the compositionfurther includes 0% to about 40% of additional components which aredescribed below.

In compositions of the present invention, the C2-C3 monoalcohol,glycerin, and at least one diester generally are believed to exist ascomponents of a multicomponent solution phase. In other words, the C2-C3monoalcohol, glycerin, and diester are present in concentrations suchthat these components are jointly co-soluble in one another.

In certain embodiments, the multicomponent solution phase consists of orconsists essentially of the C2-C3 monoalcohol, glycerin, and the one ormore diesters. In other embodiments, the multicomponent solution phaseincludes one more additional components. The one more additionalcomponents may, in certain embodiments comprise no more than about 10%by weight of the multicomponent solution phase. The nature of the one ormore additional components may vary, but are generally selected fromingredients that are capable of dissolving in a single phase mixture ofthe C2-C3 monoalcohol, glycerin, and at least one diester. Examples ofsuitable additional components include fragrances, preservatives,polymeric thickening agents, polar oils, polar waxes, polymericsuspending agents, surfactants, and the like.

Polymeric Thickening Agent

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising at least one thickening agent are provided.Non-limiting examples of thickening agents that may be used according tovarious embodiments of the present invention include thoseconventionally used in cosmetics, such as polymers of natural origin andsynthetic polymers. For example, nonionic, anionic, cationic,amphiphilic, and amphoteric polymers, and other known rheologymodifiers, such as cellulose-based thickeners, may be used.

According to certain embodiments, the thickening agent is an acrylicthickening agent (acrylic thickener) or an acrylamide thickening agent(acrylamide thickener).

“Acrylic thickening agent” or “acrylic thickener” as used herein refersto polymers based upon one or more (meth)acrylic acid (and corresponding(meth)acrylate) monomers or similar monomers.

“Acrylamide thickening agent” or “acrylamide thickener” as used hereinrefers to polymers based upon one or more acrylamide monomers or similarmonomers.

According to certain embodiments, the thickening agent comprises atleast one monomer performing a weak acid function such as, for example,acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, maleicacid and/or fumaric acid.

According to certain embodiments, the thickening agent comprises atleast one monomer performing a strong acid function such as, forexample, monomers having a function of the sulfonic acid type orphosphonic acid type, such as 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid(AMPS).

According to certain embodiments, the thickening agent may becrosslinked (or branched). Suitable examples of acceptable crosslinkingagents include, but are not limited to, methylene bisacrylamide (MBA),ethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate,diacrylamide, cyanomethacrylate, vinyloxyethacrylate or methacrylate,formaldehyde, glyoxal, and compositions of the glycidylether type suchas ethyleneglycol diglycidylether, or epoxides.

Suitable acrylic thickeners are disclosed in U.S. patent applicationpublication nos. 2004/0028637 and 2008/0196174, the entire contents ofboth of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Specific non-limiting examples of suitable thickening agents includehomopolymers or copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acids or the saltsthereof and the esters thereof, such as the products sold under thenames VERSICOL F or VERSICOL K by Allied Colloid, ULTRAHOLD 8 byCiba-Geigy, polyacrylates and polymethacrylates such as the productssold under the names LUBRAJEL and NORGEL by Guardian, or under the nameHISPAJEL by Hispano Chimica, polyacrylic acids of SYNTHALEN K type,polyacrylamides, copolymers of acrylic acid and of acrylamide sold inthe form of the sodium salt thereof, such as under the names RETEN byHercules, the sodium polymethacrylate such as sold under the name DARVAN7 by Vanderbilt, and the sodium salts of polyhydroxycarboxylic acidssuch as sold under the name HYDAGEN F® by Henkel, optionally crosslinkedand/or neutralized 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid polymersand copolymers, for instance poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonicacid) such as sold by Clariant under the name HOSTACERIN AMPS (INCIname: ammonium polyacryldimethyltauramide), crosslinked anioniccopolymers of acrylamide and of AMPS, e.g. in the form of a water-in-oilemulsion, such as those sold under the name SEPIGEL 305 (INCI name:Polyacrylamide/C13-14 Isoparaffin/Laureth-7) and under the name SIMULGEL600 (CTFA name: Acrylamide/Sodium acryloyldimethyltauratecopolymer/Isohexa-decane/Polysorbate 80) by SEPPIC, polyacrylicacid/alkyl acrylate copolymers of PEMULEN type, sodium acrylate/sodiumacryloyldimethyl taurate such as that sold under the INCI name SodiumAcrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer & HydrogenatedPolydecene & Sorbitan Laurate & Trideceth-6 which is marketed by Lonza,Allendale, N.J., USA under the tradename ViscUpEZ. In certainembodiments, the thickening agent is selected from an acrylamide and awater soluble cellulose polymer (such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,ethylcellulose, and/or hydroxypropylcellulose), and combinationsthereof.

According to certain embodiments, the thickening agent is acellulose-based thickener. Suitable cellulose-based compounds include,but are not limited to, cellulose polymers, such as, for example,hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, andethylhydroxyethylcellulose. Certain notable cellulose derivativesinclude hydroxyl-modified cellulose polymers such asHydroxyethylcellulose, e.g., those having a molecular weight over500,000 daltons such as NATROSOL 250 HHR and Hydroxypropyl cellulose,e.g., KLUCEL MF—both available from Ashland of Covington, Ky.

According to certain embodiments, the thickening agent is apolysaccharide. In general, polysaccharides may be divided into severalcategories. Polysaccharides that are suitable for use in the inventionmay be homopolysaccharides such as fructans, glucans, galactans andmannans or heteropolysaccharides such as hemicellulose. Suitablepolysaccharides may be linear polysaccharides such as pullulan orbranched polysaccharides such as gum arabic and amylopectin, or mixedpolysaccharides such as starch.

The at least one thickening agent may be present in the compositions ofthe present invention in an amount greater than 0.05% by weight, such asgreater than 0.1% by weight, such as greater than 0.5% by weight, suchas greater than 1% by weight and may be less than 15% by weight,including all ranges and subranges therebetween such as, for example,from 0.1% to 15%, such as from 0.1% to 10%, such as from 0.5% to 10%,such as from 0.75% to 7.5%, such as from 1% to 5%, etc., with allweights being based on the weight of the composition.

In certain notable embodiments, the thickener selected fromethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, andacrylamide/acrylamide-2-methyl propane sodium sulfonate copolymer.

The composition may comprise multiple phases. For example, thecomposition may in certain embodiments comprise a multicomponentsolution phase and a suspended solid phase that is suspended in themulticomponent solution phase. The suspended solid phase may include anyof various ingredients that do not dissolve in the multicomponentsolution phase and are capable of being suspended therein. According tocertain notable embodiments, the suspended solid phase includes one ormore abrasive compounds.

Abrasive Compound

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising at least one abrasive compound (abrasive system) areprovided. A “abrasive compound” is a compound capable of providingabrasion or mechanical exfoliation and in accordance with the presentinvention has one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) Surface roughness: particles with irregular edges provide forabrasion; (2) shape: the particles of the abrasive compound may have anon-angular shape such as a disc, oval or sphere; (3) average particlesize: in the context of abrasive compounds from mineral origins, shells,seeds micronized fruit kernel powders, and the like. The particles ofthe abrasive may have a particle size of 1000 microns (μm) or less, suchas 500 μm or less, such as 300 μm or less, such as 150 μm or less, suchas 75 μm or less, such as, 50 μm or less such as 30 μm or less; and (4)hardness: the abrasive particles may be soft so as to provide for mildabrasion. According to certain embodiments, the abrasive of the presentinvention has at least two of the above-mentioned properties, such as atleast three of the above-mentioned properties, such as all four of theabove-mentioned properties. For example—the abrasive compound may be alarge spherical material and not hard; or very small, hard, and havingan irregular shape. The hardness may be between (inclusive of endpoints)3-8 (Mohs hardness); or between 40-60 (Shore D hardness) if the compoundis a wax or polymer.

The abrasive of the present invention may have at least two of theabove-mentioned properties, such as at least three of theabove-mentioned properties, and such as all four of the above-mentionedproperties.

Suitable non-limiting examples of abrasive compounds include, but arenot limited to, water-soluble abrasives such as sugars; and/orwater-insoluble abrasives such as ground fruit kernel or shell powders,materials such as perlite, pumice or apricot kernel, coconut scrubs,zeolites, hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphatedihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, alumina, sodium bicarbonate,polylactic acid, spherical waxes (for example, jojoba scrubeads), aswell as synthetic polymeric materials such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethlyl methacrylate ornylon.

The at least one abrasive compound may be present in the compositions ofthe present invention in an amount greater than 0.5% by weight, such asgreater than 1% by weight, such as greater than 2.5% by weight, such asgreater than 5% by weight such as less than 40% by weight, including allranges and subranges therebetween such as, for example, from 0.5% to40%, such as from 1% to 30%, such as from 2.5% to 25%, such as from 5%to 20%, etc., with all weights being based on the weight of thecomposition. However, it is to be understood that these weight amountsin this paragraph refer to the total amount of abrasive compoundpresent, including those particles which particles of the abrasivecompound used in accordance with the present invention which do not havethe smoothness, shape, size and/or surface roughness characteristicsdiscussed above.

The suspended solid phase may include other particulate material such aspigments, optical modifiers, tactile modifiers, and the like.

According to other embodiments, compositions of the present inventionmay also include an inorganic thickening agent. This may be anorganoclay (hydrophobically treated clay), a hydrophilic clay, or otherinorganic thicknener.

In particular, among the thickening agents that may be used, mention maybe made of silica particles. Suitable silicas include, but are notlimited to, hydrophobic synthetic amorphous silicas, pyrogenic or fumedsilica optionally with hydrophobic surface treatment with particle sizeless than 10 microns, such as less than 500 nm, such as less than 100nm, such as from 5 nm to 30 nm, including all ranges and subrangestherebetween. It is in fact possible to modify the surface of silicachemically, by a chemical reaction producing a decrease in the number ofsilanol groups present on the surface of the silica. The silanol groupscan notably be replaced with hydrophobic groups: a hydrophobic silica isthen obtained.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, thecompositions for removing nail polish are “essentially free” of acetone,water or both, “substantially free” of acetone, water, or both, or“free” of acetone, water or both. “Essentially free” means that thecomposition contains less than about 3% of the identified ingredient.“Substantially free” means that the composition contains less than about2% of the identified ingredient. “Free” means that the compositioncontains less than 1% of the identified ingredient. A compositioncontaining “no water” or “no acetone” contains about 0% of theidentified ingredient. According to certain notable embodiments, thecompositions of the present invention are free of acetone andsubstantially free of water. In certain other embodiments of theinvention, the concentration of water may be less than about 20% byweight, such as less than about 15% by weight, less than about 10% byweight in the composition.

In certain embodiments of the invention compositions have less thanabout 5% by weight of oils, and in certain other embodiments areessentially free, substantially free, or free of oils. As used herein,by “oils,” it is meant compounds having a melting point of less thanabout 30° C. and generally insoluble in water and includes a hydrophobicmoiety, such as one meeting one or more of the following three criteria:(a) has a carbon chain of at least six carbons in which none of the sixcarbons is a carbonyl carbon or has a hydrophilic moiety (defined below)bonded directly to it; (b) has two or more alkyl siloxy groups; or (c)has two or more oxypropylene groups in sequence. The hydrophobic moietymay include linear, cyclic, aromatic, saturated or unsaturated groups.The hydrophobic compound is in certain embodiments not amphiphilic and,as such, in this embodiment does not include hydrophilic moieties, suchas anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, or nonionic groups, that are polar,including sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, phosphonate,ammonium, including mono-, di-, and trialkylammonium species,pyridinium, imidazolinium, amidinium, poly(ethyleneiminium),ammonioalkylsulfonate, ammonioalkylcarboxylate, amphoacetate, andpoly(ethyleneoxy)sulfonyl moieties. In certain embodiments, the oil doesnot include hydroxyl moieties.

Suitable examples of compounds of oils include vegetable oils (glycerylesters of fatty acids, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides) andfatty esters. Specific non-limiting examples include, withoutlimitation, esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate,isononyl isonanoate C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl benzoates, caprylic/caprictriglycerides, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, silicone oils (such asdimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane), pentaerythritol tetraoctanoate andmineral oil. Other examples of oils include liquid organic ultravioletfilter commonly used for example as UV-absorbing sunscreens such asoctocrylene, octyl salicylate, octyl methoxyxcinnamate, among others.

In certain particularly notable embodiments, the composition includes10% to 65% glycerin, 20% to 60% of a diester of a C2-C4 alcohol and aC4-C8 dicarboxylic acid, 20% to 50% of a C2-C3 monoalcohol, at least 1%of a suspended abrasive compound (e.g. at least about 5% or at leastabout 10%), further includes a thickener, and is essentially free ofwater. The thickener may be selected from ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, acrylamide/acrylamide-2-methyl propane sodium sulfonatecopolymer, and combinations thereof.

The compositions according to the invention can be manufactured by knownprocesses used generally in the cosmetics or dermatological field.

According to certain embodiments, methods of removing nail polish fromnails comprising applying a composition for removing nail polishdescribed above to nails onto which nail polish has been previouslyapplied and removing the nail polish from the nails are provided.

According to certain other embodiments, methods of removing nail polishfrom nails (and optionally moisturizing hands) include the steps ofapplying a composition for removing nail polish described above to thehands as well as to the nails onto which nail polish has been previouslyapplied; and removing the nail polish from the nails. The compositionmay also be rinsed from the hands and nails such as with water. Incertain embodiments, compositions of the present invention may beadvantageously used without an absorbent pad (otherwise commonly used toremove nail polish from the nails).

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective measurements. The following examples are intended toillustrate the invention without limiting the scope as a result. Thepercentages are given on a weight basis.

EXAMPLES Example I—Phase Stability

Eight mixtures of ethanol (EtOH), glycerin, and diethyl succinate wereprepared by combining the ingredients in the relative concentrations byweight listed below. The mixtures were evaluated after one hour byvisually assessing the co-miscibility of the mixtures, looking for hazeupon shaking the ingredients together as an indication of instability.

Diethyl Miscible (M) or EXAMPLE Succinate Ethanol Glycerin Immiscible(I) 1 48.4 3.3 48.3 I 2 47.5 5.1 47.4 I 3 46.4 5.1 47.4 I 4 45.7 8.745.6 I 5 44.6 10.9 44.5 I 6 42.2 15.6 42.1 I 7 38.2 23.6 38.1 I 8 34.830.6 34.7 M

The results are further displayed in FIG. 1, which is essentially aphase diagram of the three components. Open circles indicate misciblemixtures and closed circles indicate immiscible mixtures.

Example II—Phase Stability

Similarly to Example I, seventeen mixtures of ethanol, glycerin, and ablend of diesters (“diester blend”), particularly a blend of dimethylsuccinate, dimethyl gluratate, dimethyl adipate, available as RHODIASOLVfrom Solvay Chemical Company of Alpharetta, Ga., were prepared bycombining the ingredients in the relative concentrations by weightlisted below. The mixtures were evaluated after one hour by visuallyassessing the co-miscibility of the mixtures, looking for haze uponshaking the ingredients together as an indication of instability.

Diester Miscible (M) or EXAMPLE blend Ethanol Glycerin Immiscible (I) 135.0 30.0 35.0 M 2 34.4 40.6 25.0 M 3 62.5 25.0 12.5 M 4 15.6 71.9 12.5M 5 48.4 3.2 48.4 I 6 47.5 4.9 47.5 I 7 46.4 7.1 46.4 I 8 50.0 25.0 25.0M 9 45.8 8.5 45.8 I 10 44.7 10.6 44.7 I 11 42.4 15.3 42.4 I 12 38.4 23.138.4 I 13 37.5 25.0 37.5 I 14 25.0 25.0 50.0 I 15 31.3 56.3 12.5 M 1646.9 40.6 12.5 M 17 12.5 25.0 62.5 M

The results are again further displayed in FIG. 2 phase diagram. Opencircles indicate miscible mixtures and closed circles indicateimmiscible mixtures.

The results of Example I and Example II indicate that if one desires tomaintain high levels of glycerin (for moisturization and other benefits)at least about 10% by weight, one is surprisingly restricted to thelevels of ethanol that are greater than about 20% by weight of ethanol,and even higher levels of ethanol for intermediately high (about 30% toabout 60%) levels of glycerin. Furthermore, water is not needed toprovide stability.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for removing nail polish comprisingat least about 20% by weight of a C2-C3 monoalcohol, at least about 10%by weight of glycerin, at least one diester; and optionally water;wherein the concentration by weight of water is less than theconcentration by weight of glycerin; and wherein if the concentration ofglycerin is from 30% to 60% by weight, then the concentration of C2-C3monoalcohol is at least about 30% by weight.
 2. The composition of claim1 wherein the at least one diester is a diester of a C2-C4 alcohol and aC4-C8 dicarboxylic acid.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the atleast one diester is selected from a group consisting of dimethylsuccinate, diethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, andcombinations thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1 comprising amulticomponent solution phase and a suspended solid phase suspended inthe multicomponent solution phase.
 5. The composition of claim 4 whereinthe suspended solid phase includes an abrasive compound.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 4, wherein the abrasive is water-soluble.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from 30% to90% by weight of the at least one diester.
 8. The composition of claim1, wherein the composition comprises from 40% to 90% by weight of the atleast one diester.
 9. The composition of claim 4, wherein themulticomponent solution phase comprises the C2-C3 monoalcohol, theglycerin, and the at least one diester and the multicomponent solutionphase further comprises one or more additional components.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 9, wherein the one or more additional componentscomprise no more than about 10% by weight of the multicomponent solutionphase.
 11. The composition of claim 9, wherein the one or moreadditional ingredients comprise one or more ingredients selected from agroup consisting of a polymeric thickening agent, a fragrance, andwater.
 12. The composition of claim 9, wherein the one or moreadditional ingredients comprises a thickener selected fromethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, andacrylamide/acrylamide-2-methyl propane sodium sulfonate copolymer. 13.The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is substantially freeof acetone.
 14. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition isessentially free of water.
 15. The composition of claim 1 wherein thecomposition is substantially free of acetone and substantially free ofwater.
 16. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition has lessthan about 5% oil.
 17. The composition of claim 1 wherein the C2-C3monoalcohol, glycerin, and at least one diester, collectively compriseat least about 75% of the composition.
 18. A method of removing nailpolish from nails and moisturizing the hands of a subject, comprising:applying the composition of claim 1 to hands and to nails of a subjectonto which the nail polish had been previously applied; and removing thenail polish from the nails.